HPD shooting under investigation

Published 11:34 pm, Wednesday, July 22, 2015

A Houston police officer shot a man who pointed a gun at him outside a southwest-side apartment complex, authorities said.

Officer T. Harris spotted three men walking through an apartment complex about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday in the 6200 block of Gulfton near Rampart where he works a part-time security detail, police said.

Harris, who was in uniform, was with another off-duty Houston Police Department officer patrolling the complex in a silver sedan.

One of the men crouched down and appeared to grab at something in his waistband. He then moved away from the other men - now considered as witnesses in the case, police said.

Harris spotted the man holding a gun after he trotted past the gate to the complex, police said. Harris got out of the car, identified himself and ordered the man to drop the weapon. Police said he did not comply.

"He turned toward the officer and aimed the gun at the officer," said HPD spokesman John Cannon.

Harris fired at the man - more than once, police said. The man fell and was taken by ambulance to the Texas Medical Center. He is expected to survive, police said.

One of the other men was questioned at the scene and is considered a witness. Police still want to interview the third man, also considered only a witness.

Harris is a 20-year HPD veteran assigned to the West Side patrol division. This was the first time he has fired at a criminal suspect, police said.

HPD did not identify the other officer because he did not fire.

Harris will be on administrative duties for up to three days during which time he is required to speak with HPD's psychologist - a standard practice in any officer-involved shooting.

HPD's homicide and internal affairs detectives are investigating the shooting. The Harris County District Attorney's Office also is conducting an inquiry.